Brian McDermott is fully prepared for this evening's game with Derby County, and is determined to maintain our excellent form in the Coca-Cola Championship.

We are top of the form table in the division over the last six games, and host the Rams, kick off 8pm.

He said, "We are looking forward to the game, Derby a good side with strong Championship players who know what they're doing.

"We know what we're up against. We have to concentrate on this game, I'm sure we'll get the fans behind us again.

"We've not lost at home in 2010 in the League and we've had some fantastic cup games too. I spoke to Martin O'Neill after the game on Sunday and he said himself he was happy to go in 2-0 at half time.

"I watched the game again and the first half was a great performance from us against a top class side. Then in the second half Villa they had their spell but we came right back into it and that shows how far we've come.

"But we're looking forward to Derby now. We're enjoying coming to work and the cup run has been fantastic for everybody. We had a 12-minute spell but that's gone and we move on."

Brian's team pushed to the very end on Sunday, and that has been a common theme ever since he took charge.

"Against West Brom, Liverpool, Plymouth, we kept going to the death, showed resolve and the players got their rewards. They've got a great mentality and we set the team up to win games.

"Fans pay good money to see entertaining football and we want to give them that. That is my approach, you want to watch games with action and a team trying to win on the front foot. That's how I will always be."

Tickets for the game are on general sale now to all Member Card holders. Telephone 0844 249 1871, use the online ticketing service or visit in person.